3.o Ltr V6 S Type R Special Edition 2004

8/12/2019 3.o Ltr V6 S Type R Special Edition 2004

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Jaguar 3.o Ltr V6 S-Type, R Limited Edition runs January 2004 & December 2004

It might not look it but the S-Type, R is a potent performance car . Couldn’t find a review so a club member produced

below, based on AA report of S type S Sport, R. Jaguar Cars & Social club bear no liability for any content or of any kind.

Ratings

Overall rating

Value for money

Costs

Space and practicality

Controls and display

Comfort

Car security

Car safety

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Likes

Subtle exterior styling belies the range-topping in 3.0 ltr, R's impressive performance

Power/torque of uprated V6 is potent, not at all ‘camy,’ VVT/4VPC etc delivers silky delivery from low down

Quiet cabin ambience makes for a relaxing ride, only bellows with windows open next to a wall. Almost too

refined

After a series of year-on-year improvements, ride and handling now rival the competition

Beemer M5 like performance, very nearly in ‘super car’ class. Quick enough to easily get you into trouble

Subtle and oh-so refined Get up & go – very Jaguar-ish from the “When We” days is back with modern Teutonicchallenging technology

Gripes

Shallow rear screen and raised tail can make reversing tricky

Low boot height can hinder ability to load bulky items

Thirst is considerable when driving hard

Thick A-pillar and large wing mirror can obscure front side view

Howls of protest from true Jaguar aficionados at this gem being discontinued were met by a stony silence from

Ford’s accountants. Rumors of a buy-out polish up at the time were substantiated 3 years later. TaTa!!!

Jaguar's 3.o Ltr V6 S-Type R is something of a dark horse as only a few gee-gee’s less than the V8. From a

distance it looks like a regular S-Type and even up close there are few clues as to its abilities. However, that'sthe way too few buyers appear to like it - subtle yet powerful. The much up-rated V6 in the ‘ordinary’ Sport,(only 240 BHP) is silky & very Jag-ish. By adding VVT variable valve timing, breathing as in 4 valves per cyl11 to 1 compression ratio gas flowed heads, curvy in & outlet manifolds, common rail fuel injection, close ratio

box etc. bumps this up to 4 short of 300 very usable BHP. In answer to the not so muted requests for this, asthis Ford motor is marketed in the USA in similar guise in non-Jaguar sports saloons, on Ford acquiring Jaguar,Jaguar improved upon them, to produce this Special Edition V6 R model in their face lifted 2004 range. Sadlythe high cost, thirst and high insurance led the car to flop in volumes of sales as the V8 Supercharged modelwas quicker & not an awful lot more as much lower tec. The result is a highly sought after Icon that wasintroduced in 2004 and after just short of two years annual “Special Addition” runs later was discontinued.

Not a lot can be found on this car as so few were built, but if you can find one, snap it up quickly before some-one else does. If you are old enough to remember the first V12 F1 cars, if the sound did it for you, this will beright up your street, just so very Jaguar though. Too refined? Too quiet? Nearly put this in Gripes not Likes.

How can one call a Jaguar “Too Refined” ?

Most people have a soft spot for the Jaguar marque because of its history and heritage. However, several years of over-weight and uninspiring models meant that the Big Cat's reputation took a severe denting. With that in mind, the S-TypeR V6’s & V8’s are considered as something of halo models for the brand, a car that attracts attention by way of its

performance even it remains unaffordable to most buyers.

But these R-spec cars are anything but a raw experience. With the current S-Type there is a quality feel to this car thatwas sadly lacking in the cars at the original launch

In high performance form this Jag certainly has the competition a little worried, as its combination of speed and

refinement make it a good compromise for executives seeking a thrilling executive saloon. Over the years since the car'slaunch, subtle improvements both inside and out have helped to further enhance the experience. As such, cars like theBMW M5 and AMG-powered Mercedes models are often mentioned in the same breath as the S-Type, R which has to bethe highest compliment available.

For all the car's wood and leather, it does have a serious, hard edge when driven enthusiastically. And it's this characterthat often surprises buyers new to the S-Type R experience. It might be available only with a manual gearbox, but it'sacknowledged to be one of the best around. Who wants soggy auto with this slick manual box. The same is true of thecar's up-dated V6 engine, which boasts enough power to get you into trouble if you're not careful.

Our verdict on the 3.o Ltr Jaguar S Typr Sport R. Don’t let its smooth curves fool you,

under these refined lines lies the heart of a truly quick sports car, albeit one boasting comfortable Connolly hide seats,Walnut dash and a more than decent sound system. One minute you can pootling around town, wafting as Jaguar put it,the next you can be attacking corners on a trackday. Okay so a circuit drive might be a rare event, be the very fact thatthe car can cope - even entertain you - speaks volumes for its abilities. And it does so without the need for fancy semi-auto gearboxes or frustrating iDrive-like cabin controls.

Costs



You don't buy a 300 horsepower Jaguar then complain about the running costs, which is why it's not really worth

discussing the car's modest fuel economy and potential high insurance costs. However, you should be pleased to hearthat servicing should be no more than routine and, given the R model's relative rarity, future resale prospects are good.

Space and practicality

With a boot capacity of 400 litres, the Jag offers more than enough space to store shopping and suitcases, although a

narrow opening does limit practicality somewhat. However, with the rear seats folded space is increased to a useful 810litres. Inside, the S-Type's isn't the largest in this class but should prove more than adequate for for people of averagebuild. Rear legroom could be better, though.

Svelte rear hides a good size boot

Controls and display

The S-Type's fascia is logical in its presentation, with much of the switchgear housed in the central console. The steeringwheel-mounted controls for the stereo and in-car telephone are discreetly tucked away on either side of the central hub.

The wheel is also electrically adjustable for both rake and reach, returning to set up once raised to ease entry/exit onturning the key. The well regarded central touch screen is as good as people say it is - logical, clear and intuitive, and theoptional sat-nav function in the non R models removed we presume to reduce costs.

Comfort

You don't need to be a fan of the marque to know that Jaguar has a reputation for building refined and comfortable cars.

The S-Type shames many rivals with its ability to tune out annoying noises from outside, and the Jag's cabin ambience isup there with cars costing six figures.

Car security

All cars come with an alarm, immobiliser and remote control central locking as standard, which should be enough toprotect your purchase. Although the R looks like any other S-Type, it might pay to sign up for a tracking device for addedpeace of mind.

Car safety

As you would expect on a car like this, there are enough airbags in the cabin to protect, within reason, occupants from

the hardest of impacts. Electronic aids like ABS and stabilty controls are also present, and they do a good job of reigningin the car's power but without spoiling the driving experience.



Driver appeal

With the S Type-R covering the 0-62mph sprint in a near supercar-like 5.3 seconds, it's easy to understand its appeal.

Rapid acceleration is not accompanied by rumblings, just silent refined power, the smooth-as-silk gearbox a joy. For acar capable of such high speeds, ride comfort is, well, very Jag-like, which means day-to-day driving feels relaxed. Butwhen you want to have some fun the R will always oblige, in a manner that neither intimidates the naive or punishes theadvanced driver. Handling refined and balanced when driven like a hooligan, this is most of the panel’s most fun non-super car and arguably by the technically minded Jaguars finest hour – although round the club’s bar opinions differ on

this.

Classy interior will accommodate four adults in comfort

Family car appeal

If you're careful, the S-Type can be a decent family car. It does favour the more grown up family, as the prospect of

letting toddlers and even family pets loose in a cabin full of nice leather is best avoided. The boot is fine for the familyshopping but it might struggle swallowing a pushchair if only because the loading aperture is on the small side.

First car appeal

There will be no shortage of young people drooling over pictures of the S-Type (particularly the R) thanks to, amongother things, those big alloy wheels and gorgeous calipers. However, high purchasing costs and group 19 insurance willput paid to many a young heart's desire.

Quality and image

Despite the brand's image, it still has the unenviable task of pinching customers from the likes of BMW and Mercedes,which is no mean feat. And in the executive high performance saloon market, perhaps more so than any other, the bigGerman boys are masters of status. That said, Jaguar's S-Type R is highly regarded by those who value discretion overthe hype that surrounds cars like BMW's M5. The tiny minority of technically savvy, as apposed to poser Jaguaraficionados are still not able to agree on this.

Accessibility

Access to the cabin is extremely easy for both front and rear passengers. The large doors and high floor level mean thatit is neither too much of a step up or down to gain entry. As is expected from a car in this class, the S-Type R's boot

space is ample, although the loading aperature is a little shallow.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

A decent quality CD player and stereo system, featuring automatic volume control, graces the Jaguar's interior and islocated centrally for ease of use. The much praised touch screen Jaguar satellite navigation system continues to impress



with its simple controls and large, easy to read screen. An in-car phone is also available on the S-Type's options list as

part of the luxury package.

S-Type R cabin trim suggests a race car heritage

Colours and trim

While the S and SE trim levels make-up the bulk of the S-Type range with their usual array of quality woods, cloths andleathers, the R variant adds a more contemporary feel with different colours and trim finishes. The result is a sportier feelto the cabin, but with no loss of refinement. Dark exterior colours (particularly green and black) suit the Jag's retro

curves and lines well.

Parking

Parking assist sensors do much to make the experience a straightforward one. You can getaway without their help after alittle practice, but the car's nose does slope down dramatically and the view rearwards is hampered by a modest rearwindow. Thankfully the car's steering boasts plenty of assistance.

Spare wheel

Space saver wheel fitted as standard.

Alternative cars

Audi S6 Conservative-looking Audi is rapid and luxurious in equal measure, some say lacks the class

BMW M5 Quick 5 Series is a car for the serious enthusiast. Gadget overkill can spoil the experience though

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG E 63 successfully blends pace wth grace - a dark horse in this company

Porsche Cayenne Turbo A different type of performance car. Ridiculously quick but surprisingly car-like to drive

3.o Ltr V6 S Type R Special Edition 2004

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